11 Great Road Trips to Take in Oregon
Known as “the Beaver State,” Oregon is a west coast beauty of land bordering the Pacific Ocean to the west, Washington to the north, California to the south, and Idaho to the east. It’s a state with versatile landscapes and outdoor recreation around every corner, from the Pacific Coastline to the Columbia River or Mount Hood. Taking a road trip in Oregon will satisfy any adventure-loving, lush, land-craving traveler.
Portland to Multnomah Falls
A short trip from Portland to Multnomah Falls allows for a full day or weekend of endless wonder and time for multiple spots to stop along the way. Visitors can head east out of Portland on Interstate 84 and stop at Columbia Gorge Outlets to do a little discount brand-label shopping before crossing the Sandy River into the rural landscape. Views of the Columbia River flash by before approaching Rooster Rock State Park, which includes restrooms and an optional nude beach. Visitors can also head to Latourell, just south of Rooster Rock State Park, to hike up to Latourell Falls. Afterward, travelers will continue northeast and pass Bridal Veil, which is worth a stop at to view the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls or hike the Angel’s Rest Trailhead. Finally, arriving at Multnomah Falls gives visitors views of the famous cascading falls and multiple hiking trails to other less populated falls like Dutchman.
Salem to Lincoln City
Travelers can head to the coastline from Salem to Lincoln City in a little over an hour. For the most scenic route, roadtrippers can head south on Interstate 5 before cutting west on Highway 34 and making a stop in Corvallis for a quick breakfast at New Morning Bakery before continuing west on Highway 20. Travelers will experience a scenic ride lined with trees and small towns like Blodgett and Chitwood from Corvalis before reaching views of Yaquina Bay and arriving in Newport. A stop at Agate Beach to stretch and walk along the ocean shores gives visitors a chance to breathe in coastal air before heading north along the coastline. Views of the Pacific Ocean are available for the duration of the trip; stops at Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint, Rodea Point, and Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint are all ideal backdrops for pictures and views.
Portland to Astoria
Astoria is one of the most sought-after coastal towns in the state of Oregon. Visitors can climb the Astoria Column to see incredible views of the Columbia River and forests or walk along the Astoria Riverwalk Trail to find an excellent seafood dinner at Daphne. The road to get there from Portland is an essential part of the appeal; travelers will head north on Interstate 5, crossing into Washington before crossing back into Oregon over the Columbia River on westbound Highway 30. An hour into the drive, shortly after the Columbia River crossing, Beaver Falls is a great halfway point to get some fresh air and take a short .6-mile hike to the waterfall. Flowers N Fluff in nearby Catskanie will provide a coffee fix and quick burritos or scones to take on the road. Highway 30 continues through pretty towns along the Columbia River, like Taylorville, Woodson, and Fernhill. Before arriving in Astoria, there’s an excellent photo opportunity next to the “Welcome to Astoria Sign”
Corvallis to Mary’s Peak
Hikers commence for this 45-minute road trip to Mary’s Peak with endless views of the Pacific Ocean, surrounding valleys, and the Cascade Mountain Range. The peak is accessible in any season; wildflowers bloom for excellent picture opportunities in late spring, and adventure seekers love summers for hiking or winters at the peak for skiing or snowshoeing. From Corvallis, travelers will go west on Highway 20 before taking a left in Flynn onto the lovely windy Highway 34 (Alsea Highway). Before arriving at Mary’s Peak Day Use area, taking a detour on foot at Mary’s Peak East Ridge Trailhead adds more physicality to the trip, and taking a picnic at Parker Creek Falls is an alternative.
Baker City to Wallowa Lake
Iconic Wallowa Lake awaits nature lovers, anglers, and hikers. In the warmer months, visitors can jump on northern Interstate 84 with views of dry field land flashing by. A right taken onto Highway 82 after reaching La Grande leads to nearby Island City, where travelers can curb their appetite at Mom’Ma Bear’s Burgers. The Wallowa Lake Highway continues north through the towns of Imbler and Elgin before winding into more forested areas and the town of Minam along the Wallowa River with public restrooms and Andraes Kitchen with a wide array of food options from halal chicken to gyros. Wind down through the town of Wallowa and stock up on camping supplies at Wallowa Food City before descending into the town of Joseph, the nearest town to Wallowa Lake. Reserve a camping spot beforehand or stay at one of the many lodges available around the lake or in Jospeh, such as Wallowa Lake Lodge or Trouthaven Resort.
Portland to Oregon City and all along the Mt. Hood Wine Country
Wine enthusiasts are likely familiar with the excellent wines produced in Oregon. There are several wineries that team together to create discounted, self-guided wine tours like the Cork Quest involving Cascade Foothills winegrowers. From Portland, tourists can drive south and base themselves out of Oregon City at the Lakeshore Inn. After lunch at The Hive Social, head out with a designated driver to Forest Edge Vineyard, King’s Raven Winery, and Villa Catalana Cellars. Further south and east of Hubbard, St. Josef’s Winery and Whiskey Hill Winery await with beautiful grounds and peaceful Oregon backdrops.
Portland to Mt. Hood
A couple hours east of Portland is the monster mountain, Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest Peak with four seasons of beauty and outdoor recreation. East on Interstate 84 out of Portland will lead travelers to Wood Village, where directions turn southeast on Highway 20. Fuel up on food at Wood Village Burrito Shop before getting another helping of carbs at Joe’s Donut Shop in Sandy. Stop at Little Zigzag Falls for a short scenic hike before reaching Mt. Hood. A stay at the Timberline Lodge in any season is a special treat with heated pools and cozy cabin-like rooms. Ski the slopes in the winter or hike the Elk Meadows trail or Ramona Falls along the famous Pacific Crest trail in the summer months.
Bend to Crater Lake National Park
After a nice stay in Bend, carousing the Bend Ale Trail, and admiring the Tin Pan Alley Art Collection downtown, visitors can make their way south to Crater Lake National Park for some otherworldly views. Travelers head south on Highway 97 through Deschutes National Forest, with stops at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument and in Chemult at Taqueria Lupitas for some tacos. Further south along the Dalles-California Highway, Collier State Park Day Use Area is a great stop for a bathroom break before hopping on the Chiloquin Highway westbound and turning north onto Crater Lake Highway. For a day trip in May and June, drivers can circle Crater Lake on Rim Drive; otherwise, staying at Crater Lake Lodge or camping at the Mazama Campground is encouraged to get the most out of the lake and hike up to Watchman Peak for sunset views.
Portland to Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a quintessential icon of the Oregon coast; crowds gather here to witness Haystack Rock against a sunset landscape and enjoy the seaside village. From Portland, travelers will head northwestbound on Highway 26. Break up the hour-and-a-half drive with a stop in Manning to walk the beautiful Banks-Veronia State Trail. After working up an appetite, grab a bite at Elderberry Inn along the Sunset Highway just outside of Mishawaka. Sunset Highway Mount Saint Helens Viewpoint is a fantastic stop about halfway to Cannon Beach for some excellent pictures and scenery. Explore the trails at Kootchy Creek County Park before cutting off south onto 101, Oregon Coast Highway. Once in Cannon Beach, a stay at Hallmark Resort & Spa will fulfill any beach lover’s dream.
Eugene to Bandon
A road trip to Bandon is for the golfers! Bandon has seven highly regarded courses, Bandon Dunes, and Pacific Dunes being the most sought after, ranking high on the Top 100 Public Rank. From Eugene, travelers will head south on Interstate 5 and exit onto Highway 38 at Anlauf. Along 38, stop in for a burger at the highly rated Rose Bar & Restaurant. Fuel up at the Chevron in Drain before heading west on the Umpqua Highway. The winding highway hugs the Umpqua River and offers many pull-off stops and towns like Scottsburg or Reedsport to take pictures and enjoy river views. Take a longer break in Reedsport to visit the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area before going south on Highway 101. Umpqua Lighthouse Viewpoint and State Park are the next ideal stopovers. Walk along the Coos Bay Boardwalk and grab a coffee at So It Goes Coffeehouse in Coos Bay before continuing south on the pine-lined highway leading to Bandon.
Eugene to Seaside
From west central Oregon to coastal Seaside, a road trip from Eugene to Seaside checks the boxes of all things Oregon. Travelers head north on Interstate 5. Refuel in Salem and walk along the Willamette River at Riverfront Park. Before departing Interstate 5 and heading northwest on Highway 217, fill up delicious steak dishes at Lake Oswego just outside of Portland. Drivers will continue northwest from there on Highway 26, one of the most beautiful highways in Oregon! Along 26, Sunset Rest Area is a delightful break with Steam Donkey Trail to hike. For a longer, alternative hiking trek, Bloom Lake Trail is an excellent choice. Break away from Highway 26 and onto Route 101 with Seaside on the horizon. A stay at Worldmark Seaside will put visitors on Seaside Beach.
These destinations are just a handful of the consistent beauty that Oregon offers travelers. Road trips in Oregon are versatile with mystical forested inland, rocky beaches with miles of shoreline, and dryer regions with farmland or lined with wineries. Oregon is anything but ordinary and can cater to the likes and hobbies of any traveler. From the world-class golf courses on the coastline of Bandon to the Willamette Wine Region, a road trip to Oregon has it all.
